Protective relay system



March 20, 1945. G. STEEB PROTECTIVE RELAY SYSTEM Filed June 24, 1942 IN ENTOR iPe/ay Hex-up flmperes. Cigar ffeeb F1 Z,

ATTORNEY Patented Mar. 20, 1945 I PROTECTIVE RELAY SYSTEM George Steeb, Buffalo, N. Y., assignor to Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company, East Pittsburgh, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application June 24, 1942, Serial No. 448,232

8 Claims.

Thisinvention relates to electrical systems, and it hasparticular relation to electrical systems having a plurality of circuit interrupters selectively controlled by electrical relays.

Many electrical systems have a plurality of circuit interrupters or breakers which are tripped in a predetermined sequence upon the occurrence of a fault on the system under the control of selectively operated relays. The purpose of this selective control is to disconnect a faulty portion of an electrical system from the remainder of the electrical system without interrupting the flow of electrical energy in the remainder of the electrical system.

Under certain conditions, it is desirable that a relay employed for selectively controlling one of a plurality of circuit interrupters have either of a plurality of characteristics. reference may be made to an electrical system wherein selectivity of relays is obtained by varying the time delay in the operation of the relays inversely with the distances of the electrical relays from the source of power employed for the electrical system. In such a system, a relay adjacent the source of power may require a time delay in operation for fault currents of moderate magnitude which inherently provides an undesirably long time delay for fault currents of large magnitude. This long time delay for fault currents of large magnitude may be suflicient to result in a loss of stability of the electrical system. In such a case, it is desirable to provide a relay having a first time delay relay characteristic for fault currents of moderate magnitude and a second relay characteristic involving shorter time delays for fault currents of large magnitude.

In accordance with the invention, the energization of a relay is modified to provide the desired relay characteristics. As a specific example, reference may be made to an overcurrent relay having two energizing windings coacting when energized to operate the relay. Under normal conditions of energization, the relay has a first time delay characteristic. In order to provide a second time delay characteristic, an auxiliary overcurrent relay is provided for connecting the two windings in parallel for increasing or decreasing the energization of one of the windings. If the connection is such that the energization of the one winding is increased, a second relay characteristic is produced which provides the desired decrease in time delay for heavy fault currents.

If the connection of the windings is such that the energization of the one winding is reduced For example,

or reversed, operation of the relay is blocked. Such blocking may be desirable to prevent a tripping operation of an associated circuit interrupter when the associated circuit interrupter carries a current greater than it is designed to interrupt.

It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide an electrical system having a "plurality of circuit interrupters selectively controlled by relays, and having means for modifying the relay characteristic of one of the relays.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an electrical system having a plurality of circuit interrupters selectively controlled by relays, and having means responsive to a variable quantity present in the system for increasing the energization of one of the relays.

It is another object of the invention to provide an electrical system having a plurality of circuit interrupters selectively controlled by relays, and having means responsive to a. variable quantity present in the system for modifying the relay characteristic of one of the relays to block operation of the relay.

It is a still further object of the invention to provide an electrical relay having a pair of energizing windings, and having means responsive to a variable quantity for connecting at least part of the windings in parallel.

Other objects of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view in single line of a typical electrical system;

Fig. 2 is a graphical representation of the characteristics of electrical relays; and

Fig. 3 is a schematic view with parts in elevation of an electrical relay system embodying the invention.

Referring to the drawing, Fig. 1 shows an electrical system including a main station A and a substation B which are connected by a transmission circuit 1 of substantial length. Although the electrical system may be designed for single phase or polyphase operation, it is assumed for the purpose of the discussion that the system is a three-phase system designed for operation at a frequency of 60 cycles per second.

Electrical energy is supplied to the main station A at any suitable voltage such as kilovolts from any suitable source here represented by a bus 3. This bus energizes a second bus 5 in the main station A through an autctransformer l which steps the voltage down from 110 to 60 kilovolts at the bus 5. The connection of the autotransf ormer to the bus 5 is controlled by a circuit interrupter 9 having a trip coil H associated therewith. As well understood in the art, energization of the trip coil H operates to trip the circuit interrupter 5.

Energization of the trip coil H is effected by means of a suitable relay l3 which may take the form of an induction relay designed to close its contacts with time delay. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the energizing winding of the relay I3 is energized from the secondary winding of a current transformer l5. Although only one relay and one current transformer are illustrated for association with one phase conductor of the threephase system, it will be understood that three similar relays and three similar current transformers may be associated, respectively, with the three-phase conductors of the system in accordance with standard practice for controlling the tripping of the circuit interrupter 9. Closure of the front contacts of the relay 13 connects the trip coil H to a suitable source of electrical energy which may take the form of a direct-current electrical battery represented by conventional negative and positive polarity markings l1 and The connection of the transmission circuit l to the bus 5 is controlled by a circuit interrupter 21 having a trip coil 23 associated therewith. Connection of the trip coil 23 to a source of electrical energy is effected by the closure of front contacts of either an instantaneously operating relay 25 or a time delay relay 27. The time delay relay 21 again may take the form of an induction type relay. The energizing windings of the relays 25 and 21 are connected in series across the secondary winding of a current transformer 29. The primary of the current transformer is connected for energization in accordance with current flowing to the transmission circuit I from the bus 5. As previously pointed out a similar relay system may be provided for each phase conductor of the polyphase system.

At the substation B, a circuit 3| is connected to the transmission circuit I for energization therefrom. The connection of the circuit 31 to the transmission circuit I is controlled by a circuit interrupter 33 having a trip coil 35 associated therewith. The trip coil 35 is connected across a suitable source of electrical energy by closure of the front contacts of an overcurrent relay 31. This overcurrent relay is energized in accordance with current flowing to the circuit 3| by means of a current transformer 39 associated with th circuit3l.

As representative of the fault currents flowing as a result of a severe three-phase fault, it will be assumed that such a fault adjacent the substation B results in the flow of current of approximately 1,500 amperes. It is assumed further that a similar fault adjacent the bus 5 results in the flow of a fault current of approximately 2520 amperes. The instantaneous relay 25 is designed to pick up and close its contacts when energized by a. current in excess of 1,800 amperes flowing in the primary of the current transformer 29. This relay closes its contacts in about 1 cycle, and may be relied on to trip the circuit interrupter 2| in response to three-phase faults occurring along most of the transmission circuit i.

For fault currents smaller in magnitude than 1,800 amperes, it is desirable that selectivity be maintained between, the relay 31 at the substation B and the relay 2! at the main station A. For

this reason, it is desirable that the may 21 have a time delay of the order of 40 cycles when enersized by a current of approximately 1,800 amperes flowing through the primary of the current transformer 2Q.

To provide proper selectivity between the relays 21 and [3, the relay l3 then shouldhavea time delay of the order of 66 cycles when energized by a current of 1,800 amperes flowing through the primary of the transformer l5.

If the relay I3 is of a standard induction type,

the provision of the required time delay may re-- suit in an excessive time delay for heavy fault currents. This may be shown more clearly by reference to Fig. 2 wherein relay characteristics are graphically represented. In Fig. 2 ordinates represent cycles of the alternating voltage applied to the system which are required for relay operation, whereas abscissae represent the currents in amperes at which the relay is to pick up. The current values herein specified are the primary currents flowing in the associated current transformers.

The characteristic of the combined relays 25 and 21 is represented in Fig. 2 by a curve C-DE. The portion C-D of the curve represents the inverse time delay introduced by a conventional induction type overcurrent relay. This time delay has a value of approximately 40 cycles when 1,800 amperes pass through the primary of the current transformer 29. At the point D, the instantaneous relay 25 picks up to close its contacts in approximately 1 cycle.

As previously explained, proper selectivity between the relays I3 and 21 requires a greater time delay in the operation of the relay l3. If the relay I3 is a conventional induction type overcurrent relay, its inverse time characteristic may be represented by a curve .FGH. The portion G-H of the curve is shown in dotted lines. For an abscissa of 1,800 amperes, the curve F--G-H indicates a time delay'of approximately 66 cycles. This assures proper selectivity between the relays I 3 and 21.

Should a fault occur on the bus 5, a fault current of 2,520 amperes may flow thereto. From the characteristic curve F-G-H, it is found that such a current represents a time delay of about 62 cycles in the closure of the overcurrent relay l3. Assuming that the associated circuit interrupter requires 16 cycles for an opening operation, the entire delay in interrupting the fault current amounts to about 78 cycles. In a conventional system, this excessive time delay for a heavy fault current probably would result in the loss of stability of the kilovolt system connected to the bus 3. For this reason, it is desirable that the time delay for the relay l3 be decreased. This decrease must not result in a loss of selectivity between the relays l3 and 21.

The desired operation of the relay l3 may be obtained by providing the relay with a characteristic represented in Fig. 2 by the curve F-- G-J. By inspection of this figure, it will be observed that the portion F-G is unchanged to a point representing a current somewhat greater than 1,800 amperes. At this point, the time delay of the relay rapidly drops to values substantially lower than those represented by the portion G-H of the conventional curve.

The modified curve F-GJ for a current of 2,520 amperes provides a time delay in relay closure of approximately 30 cycles. Adding to this, the 16 cycles required for opening of the associated circuit interrupter, the overall time required for interruption of a fault current of 2,520 amperes is approximately 48 cycles. Such a time delay does not result in a loss of stability of the 110 kilovolt system connected to the bus 3. A relay system providing the desired characteristic curve FG--J is illustrated in Fig. 3.

Referring to Fig. 3, a relay system is disclosed which includes an induction type overcurrent relay having a magnetic core 58. This magnetic core includes a main pole 55 and auxiliary poles 51 and 59 which are spaced to define an air gap. A first energizing winding 6|, which may be termed a main winding, surrounds the main pole 55. Second energizing windings 63 and 65, which may be termed auxiliary winding surround the poles 51 and 59.

The auxiliary windings 63 and 65 are energized from a winding 61 which also surrounds the main pole 55. By inspection of Fig. 3, it will be observed that the windings 6| and 61 constitute, respectively, the primary and secondary windings of a transformer. Consequently, energization of the winding 6| operates to induce a voltage in the winding 61. The winding 61 is connected to the primary winding 69 of a saturable transformer or torque compensator 1|. The secondary winding 13 of the torque compensator 1| is connected across the auxiliary windings 63 and 65 for energizing the latter. As well understood in the art, saturation of the torque compensator provides a definite minimum time delay for the relay.

Energization of the windings 6|, 63 and 65 produces a shifting magnetic field in the air gap between the poles. An electroconductive armature in the form of a disk is positioned in this air gap for rotation by the shifting magnetic field. The disk 15 may be mounted on a shaft 11 which. in turn, is rotatably mounted in bearings 18 and 8|. Rotation of the disk is damped by means of a permanent magnet 83 having pole faces positioned to direct magnetic flux through the disk 15.

The shaft 11 carries a contact 85 which is rotatable with the shaft 11 into and out of engagement with a fixed contact 81. A spiral spring 89 biases the roatable contact 85 out of engagement with the fixed contact 81.

When the contact 85 engages the fixed contact 81, the energizing winding of a. contactor 8| is connected to a suitable source of energy represented by the polarity markings l1 and I9. As a result of its energization, the contactor 9| picks up to close its front contacts. Such closure operates through conductors 83 and 94 to establish a holding circuit for the contactor 9|. Closure of the contacts of the contactor 9| also connects a trip coil 95 to the source of energy represented by the polarity markings I1 and I9. This trip coil 95 may be employed for tripping a circuit in-- terrupter 91 which may correspond to the circuit interrupter 8 of Fig. 1. An operation indicator 88 is connected in parallel with the energizing winding of the contactor 9| to indicate the operation of the relay 5 I.

The portion of the relay 5| thus far specifically described corresponds to a standard induction typerelay. Relays of this type are disclosed in the Smith et a1. Patent 1,286,239 and are fully described in the Relay Handbook, published by the National Electric Light Association, New York city, 1926, pages 104 to 118,

Energization oi the winding 6| of the relay 5| may be derived from the secondary winding of a current transformer I which has its primary winding connected in a circuit I03. The conductor I03 may represent one phase conductor or the system of Fig 1, and the current transformer 1 0| then corresponds to the current transformer i5 0! Fig. 1. The secondary winding of the current transformer IN is connected to the main winding 0| through a circuit which may be traced from one terminal of the current transformer through a conductor I05, the energizing winding of an instantaneous overcurrent relay |01, conductors I09 and III, the main winding 6| and a conductor M3 to a second terminal of the current transformer |0|. It will be observed that the conductor H is adiustably connected to the main winding 6|. By varying the tap of the main winding 6| to which the conductor MI is connected, the number of effective turns of the main winding 6| and the sensitivity of the relay may be adjusted.

The relay 5| as thus far descr'bed would have a characteristic similar to that represented by the curve FGH in Fig. 2. In order to modify the characteristic to that represented by the curve F-GJ, the instantaneous overcurrent relay |01 is provided for modifying the energization of the auxiliary windings 53 and 65.

By inspection of Fig. 3, it will be noted that the instantaneous overcurrent relay I01 has its energizing winding connected in series with the main winding 6|. The instantaneous relay is designed to pick up and close its front contacts at a predetermined current which for the specific system herein discussed may have a value somewhat larger than 1800 amperes (referred to the primar of the current transformer |O|) as rep resented by the point G in Fig. 2. The current value at which the instantaneous relay |01 picks up to close its contacts may be adusted by varying the point of connection of the conductor 15 to the energizing winding of the instantaneous relay. Such adjustment varies the number of eifective turns in the energizing winding.

Closure of the contacts of the instantaneous relay |01 connects the auxiliary windings 63 and 65 and the secondary winding 13 of the torque compensator in parallel with a portion of the main winding 6|. Since the secondary winding 13 has a high impedance, the eiTect of such connection on the secondary winding 13 may be disregarded. The connections for the auxiliary windings 63 and 65 may be traced from the conductor through a portion of the main winding 6| a conductor H5, the contacts of the instantaneous relay I01, a conductor ||1, one blade of a reversing switch 9, a conductor |2|, a conductor I23, the auxiliary windings and 63, conductors I25 and I21, and the remaining blade of the reversing switch ||9 to the conductor Consequently, when the instantaneous relay I01 closes its contacts, a portion of the current flowing through part of the main winding 6| is diverted through the auxiliary windings 63 and 65.

Depending on the position of the reversing switch H9, the current supplied therethrough t0 the auxiliary windings 63 and 65 is either in proper phase for assisting in urging the movable contact towards the fixed contact 81, or it is displaced in phase to urge the movable contact 85 away from the fixed contact 81.

Let it be assumed that with the reversing switch 9 in the position shown in full lines in Fig. 3, the energization therethrough of the auxiliary wind ngs 63 and 65 is in such direction as to assist in urging the contact 85 towards the fixed contact 81. Under such circumstances, operation of the instantaneous relay |01 materially decreases the time delay of the relay 5| and a characteristic curve is obtained which is represented by the curve F-GJ of Fig. 2. The amount of change in the characteristic of the relay 5| produced by closure of the instantaneous relay l! may be adjusted by varying the number of turns of the main winding 8! which are included between the conductors Ill and H5. It will be observed that both of these conductors are adjustable with respect to the main winding GI, and that the conductorllS is connected to the main winding 6! intermediate the points of connection thereto of the conductors i i I and H3.

It is believed thatthe operation of the invention is apparent from the foregoing description. For moderate fault currents. the contacts of the instantaneous relay I01 are open, and the relay 55 has a time delay similar to that represented by the curve portion F-G of Fig. 2. Over the range represented by the curve portion F-G, the relay 5i operates in a manner similar to the operation of a standard overcurrent induction relay,

When the current flowing through the primary or the current transformer I0! exceeds a predetermined value represented by the point G in Fig. 2, the instantaneous relay I01 closes its contacts to energize the auxiliary windings 63 and 65 in parallel with a portion of the main winding 6!. This substantially decreases the time delay of the relay 5|, as represented by the curve portion GJ in Fig. 2.

When the relay l3 of Fig. 1 is similar to the relay arrangement of Fig. 3, proper selectivity is obtained between the relays l3 and ii, and fast operation of the relay I3 is obtained for fault currents which are extremely large in magnitude. In such a case, the relay l3 has a characteristic represented by the curve F-G-J of Fig. 2 and the combined relays 2'5 and 21 have a characteristic similar to that represented by the curve C-D-E of Fig. 2.

A fault on the transmission circuit l which produces a current flow between the points 0 and D of Fig. 2 produces an operation of the relay 2'! before the relay l3 can operate. Over this range, the relay 2'! has a shorter time delay than that represented by the curve portion F-G for the relay I3.

If a fault on the transmission circuit I results in the flow of a current in excess of 1,800 amperes, the instantaneous relay 25 operates in approximately one cycle to clear the fault. By inspection of Fig. 2, it will be observed that the curve portion GJ provides a time delay in operation of the relay l3 suiiicient to permit prior operation of the relay 25.

Should the circuit interrupter 2| fail to open for any reason, the relay l3 operates as a backup relay to trip the circuit interrupter 9. Because in a time short enough to prevent loss of stability on the system.

As previously pointed out, if the reversing switch H9 occupies the position indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 3, closure of the instantaneous relay I01 blocks operation of the relay 5|. Such blocking may be desirable to prevent a tripping operation of an associated circuit interrupter when the circuit interrupter carries a current in excess of its current interrupting capacity. For example, let it be assumed that the circuit interrupter-33 of Fig. 1 has a current interrupting capacity of 1,200 amperes, and that the relay 31 of Fig. l is controlled by a relay similar to the relay of Fig. 3 withthe reversing switch H9 in its dotted line position. Since the interrupting capacity of the circuit interrupter 33 is assumed to be 1,200 amperes, the instantaneous relay I0! is adjusted to pick up and close its contacts when a current of 1,200 amperes flows through the primary of its associated current transformer. Consequently, if a current in excess of 1,200 amperes flows through the circuit interrupter 33, the instantaneous relay it]? picks up to prevent a tripping operation of the circuit interrupter 33. The circuit interrupter 2i which may be designed to interrupt a current in excess of 1,200 amperes, subsequently trips to remove the fault from the remainder of the system.

Although the invention has been discussed with reference to certain specific embodiments thereof, numerous modifications are possible. Therefore, the invention is to be restricted only by the appended claims as interpreted in view of the prior art.

I claim as my invention:

1. In an electrical system, an overcurrent relay having a first energizing winding designed for energization in accordance with the current to which said relay responds, said relay having a second energizing winding, means normally connecting said second energizing winding for a first energization in accordance with a first function of the energization of said first energizing winding, means responsive to the combined energizations of said first and second energizing winding, and means responsive to predetermined values of a, variable quantity for connecting said second energizing winding in parallel with at least a portion of said first energizing winding for energization in accordance with a second function of the energization of said first energizing winding.

2. In an electrical system, a first overcurrent relay having a first energizing winding designed for energization in accordance with the current to which said relay responds, said relay having a second energizing winding, means normally connecting said second energizing winding for a first energization in accordance with a first function of the energization of said first energizing winding, means responsive to the combined energization of said first and second energizing winding, and means responsive to predetermined values of a variable quantity for connecting said second energizing Winding in parallel with at least a portion of said first energizing winding for energization in accordance with a second function of the energization of said first energizing winding, said last named means comprising a second overcurrent relay connected for energization in accordance with the energization of said first overcurrent relay, and circuit connections completed by said second overcurrent relay for placing said second energizing winding in parallel with at least a portion of said first en ergizing winding for a second energization which adds to said first energization of said second energizing winding, whereby operation of said second overcurrent relay increases the rate of response of said first overcurrent relay.

3. In an electrical system, a first overcurrent relay having a first energizing winding, designed for energization in accordance with the current to which said relay responds, said relay havingja second energizing winding, means normally connecting said second energizing winding for a first energization in accordance with a first function of the energization of said first energizing winding,

means responsive to the combined energizations of said first and second energizing winding, and means responsive to predetermined values of a variable quantity for connecting said second energizing winding in parallel with at least a portion of said first energizing winding for energization in accordance with a second function of the energization of said first energizing winding, said last named means comprising a second overcurrent relay connected for energization in accordis ance with the energization of said first overcurrent relay, and circuit connections completed by said second overcurrent relay for placing said second energizing winding in parallel with at least a portion of said first energizing winding for a second 2U said variable quantity for operation at any value of said quantity within a predetermined substantial range of values, a second relay responsive to said predetermined variable quantity for operation at a value of said quantity falling within part only of-said range of values, and means responsive to operation of said second relay for gs energizing said first relay in opposition to the" energization of said first relay by said first energizing means, whereby operation of said second relay tends to block operation of said first relay,

5. In an electrical system, an overcurrent in duction relay comprising a first winding andasecond winding effective when energized for producing a shifting magnetic field in an air gap, an electroconductive armature element mounted for rotation in said air gap by said shifting magnetic field, means for energizing said first winding in accordance with a variable current to which said induction relay is to respondfmeans @for energizing said second winding through a .saturating transformer to produce a first predetermined relay characteristic, and means for connecting said second winding in parallel with at least a portion of said first winding for modirying the relay characteristic-of said induction 6. In an electrical system. an overcurrent induction relay comprising a first winding and a second winding efiective when energized for producing a shifting magnetic field in an air gap, an electroconductive armature element mounted for rotation in said air gap by said shifting magnetic field, means for energizing said first winding in accordance with a variable current to which said induction relay is to respond, means for energizing said second winding through a saturating transformer to product a first predetermined relay characteristic, and current responsive means for connecting said second winding in parallel with at least a portion of said first winding for additionally energizing said second winding to modify the relay characteristic of said induction relay, said energizations of said second winding being cumulative to increase the rate of response of said induction relay.

'7. In an electrical system, an overcurrent induction relay comprising a first winding and a second winding effective when energized for producing a shifting magnetic field in an air gap, an electroconductive armature element mounted for rotation in said air gap by said shifting magnetic field, means for energizing said first winding in accordance with a variable current to which said induction relay is to respond, means for energizing said second winding through a saturating transformer to produce a first predetermined relay characteristic, and current responsive means for connecting said second winding in parallel with at least a portion of said first winding for additionally energizing said second winding to modify the relay characteristic of said induction relay, said energizations of said second winding being opposed, whereby operation of said current responsive means tends to block operation of said induction relay.

8. man electrical system, a circuit interrupter, and means for tripping said circuit interrupter, said means comprising an electrical relay efiective in response to a current flowing through said circuit interrupter over a substantial range of values of said current for initiating a tripping operation of circuit interrupter, said electrical relay including a pair of windings effective when subjected to predetermined energizations for actuating said relay in a tripping operation, and means responsive to a value of said current above that ,which said circuit interrupter is designed to interrupt for applying a second energization to one of said windings in opposition to said predetermined energization thereof for blocking a tripping operation of said electrical relay.

GEORGE S'I'EEB. 

